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Volume 7, Issue 8 April 2016
Montana PTA VOICE Providing PTA news and information for Montana PTA local
units, councils, and members
Upcoming Deadlines
April 15—Deadline for Montana PTA Awards
April 15 -Secretary of State Annual Report Filing Deadline
Teacher Appreciation Week — May 2-6, 2016
June 1 — Submit 2016-17 Officer Reporting Form to MT PTA Office
President’s message
Happy Spring everyone. Well its spring in Montana that’s for sure. It’s no April Fools’ joke, Snowy and cold but I’ll stick to the old Montana saying if you don’t like the weather here just wait 24 hours. I hope this old saying is true because I’m ready for some great weather. Just as spring arrives so does the submission date of April 15th for Local Unit Membership Awards. Leadership, Membership, Grass Roots and Outstanding Volunteer and Educator applications are available at the Montana PTA Website. Acknowledge all the hard work and accomplishment of your Unit and its leaders by applying today.
Mark your calendars for Yellowstone Valley Council Spring Training scheduled for Tuesday, April 26th at 6:30 at the Lincoln Center. Topics include fundraising tips visiting with Lifetouch Representatives and network with other local unit leaders.
Please join me on the next Montana PTA Presidents’ Call on Tuesday, April 12 at 7pm the topic will be “Montana and the Legislative Process”, the call in number is 1-866-740-1260 and the Access Code is 6289007. Thank you to all the Local Unit Leaders for all your hard work and dedication to Montana’s student, communities and families. Keep up the great work. Happy Spring.
Sherry Holderith
President, Montana PTA
P A G E 2 M T P T A V O I C E
Annual Report Filing
Secretary of State—Deadline April 15
The deadline for submitting your annual report to the Secretary of State is April 15. Submission of this report is required to maintain your incorporation status, as well as to remain in good standing with Montana PTA.
The submission process is fairly simple and can be done online at www.sos.mt.gov. For detailed instructions, please review page 5 of the March Montana PTA Voice newsletter which is available on the Montana PTA website at www.montanapta.org.
*** Please join me on my monthly President calls ***
2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm. The topic for the April 12th
call is “Montana and the Legislative Process”. The topic for the May 10th
call is “Fundraising and the Role it takes in your PTA”.
CALL IN NUMBER 1-866-740-1260 ACCESS CODE 6289007
Thank you in advance for your interest!
I look forward to your attendance on the President’s Call.
Sherry Holderith, Montana PTA President
P A G E 3 M T P T A V O I C E
YELLOWSTONE VALLEY PTA COUNCIL
Together with the
Montana State PTA
Presents
SPRING TRAINING
Tuesday, April 26th, 2016
6:30-8:00 pm
In Billings at the Lincoln Center
COME LEARN SOME FUNDRAISING TIPS, VISIT WITH LIFETOUCH REPRESENTATIVES,
AND NETWORK WITH OTHER PTA LEADERS.
Bring your new board members to help transition them to the 2016-2017 school year.
Bring your returning board members for a discussion about fundraising. Hear about
the Lifetouch Child Safe Program. Learn about how to get entered into the Lifetouch
Memory Mission trip lottery.
COUNCIL BONUS: EACH PTA REPRESENTED WILL RECEIVE A FREE REGISTRATION TO THE MT STATE PTA CONVENTION IN SEPTEMBER TO BE HELD IN GREAT FALLS
(1 PER PTA IN GOOD STANDING)
Refreshments will be served, and PRIZES will be won!!!!
For more information call Colleen Nichols at 861-6890
everychild.onevoice
Many Local Units have exceeded in members over the previous year which
would qualify them for a Membership award. We are sure there are Units in
Montana who qualify for Leadership and Grassroots awards as well.
Montana PTA Award applications for Membership, Leadership, and
Grassroots are due April 15, 2016. Go to our Montana PTA website,
www.montanapta.org and click on Unit Tools, PTA Awards. There you will
find the guidelines and forms you will need to apply for awards
and please send your forms to Montana PTA today. You’ll be
glad you did! We love to honor and celebrate our Local Units!
If you have any questions please contact the Montana PTA
office at 406-628-9007 or [email protected].
montana pta awards
P A G E 4 M T P T A V O I C E
Secretary Message
Teacher Appreciation Week Is Almost Here!
This year Teacher Appreciation Week is Monday, May 2th through Friday, May 6th - coming right up! Ever since 1984 when the PTA established this event, we have set aside the first week of May to celebrate, thank, and spend some extra time thinking about the teachers in our lives. These men and women contribute in such a special way to our children, schools, and community, and are an integral part of successful PTAs across our state. So how do we show them just how much they mean to us?
● Thank you gifts and notes - A heartfelt, handwritten note from your PTA thanking the teacher for their contributions is the simplest way to show appreciation. If a teacher regularly attends PTA meetings, or helps out at events, or supports your fundraisers - thank them! Alternatively, and of course if budgets allow, small gifts for the teachers are always appreciated. Whether it's a logo item like a reusable water bottle or a coffee mug, or even some basic classroom supplies they might need, these little things show the teachers that we appreciate and support them.
● Involve the kids - Kids are excited to be involved in your plans to do something nice for their teachers - especially if it's a secret! You could have all the kids sign a huge Thank You banner, and then hang it up at school for the week. Or give each child a piece of paper to write a story, draw a picture, or express in other ways their thanks for a teacher. Compile the papers for each teacher and have the kids present them. Genuine expressions by the kids they are teaching every day will be a touching memory for the teachers.
● Plan a PTA event - I've seen some PTA units do something every day of the week for the teachers at their school, but doing even one event will be a great way to show your support. Last year at our school, we wanted to do something fun but also something that was in line with the Healthy Foods initiative the school was implementing - so the PTA put together a Salad Bar luncheon in the teacher's lounge. PTA bought the salad greens and then members volunteered to bring in toppings, pasta salads, vegetables, dressings, and everything that you'd find in a restaurant salad bar - and it was a huge success! Coffee and pastries in the morning would also be a nice treat, or for a bit of luxury, bring in a massage therapist to do chair massages for our hard-working teachers.
● Don't forget support in other ways - While thank you notes and gifts are wonderful tokens of our respect and gratitude, Teacher Appreciation Week is also a time to reflect upon and consider how we can back teachers in their profession, year-round. Support new teachers at your school and welcome them to join PTA to express their ideas. Ask teachers at your PTA meetings what their needs are and see if there is a way to meet those needs with funds, volunteers, or brainstorm other solutions with them. Attend school board meetings and show your support for the district's teachers. And last but not least, vote! The resources teachers have to do their jobs can be directly related to the vote you cast, so make your voice heard.
From the smallest PTA unit to the largest, for those with limited budgets, for all of us - there is a way to do something special for our teachers this May and beyond. Good luck with your celebrations everyone, and have a happy Spring!
Andrea Barrow
Montana PTA Secretary
P A G E 5 M T P T A V O I C E
Be sure to make plans to attend the
101st Annual Montana PTA Convention
September 24, 2016
Best Western Heritage Plus Inn, Great Falls
Convention Theme: “We’ve Only Just Begun”
Montana PTA Convention - 2016
LOCAL UNIT TREASURERS: Please be watching for the insurance renewal notice from AIM. The required liability insurance premium of $50 is due to AIM. This is a good standing requirement and this payment must be made. Additional coverage's are also available. I will be receiving reports from AIM regarding those Units who have renewed for the 6/13/16-6/13/17 coverage year and those Units who still need to renew. Please send your payment to AIM today!
AIM has recently transitioned to a new insurance carrier and PTA’s, beginning March 1, 2016, have been placed with their new carrier when their annual policy expires. As part of this process, the prior carrier OneBeacon, sent out notification to all PTA’s that OneBeacon will not be renewing coverage upon expiration of their annual policy.
AIM has sent an email to all units notifying them of this change and letting them know their coverage and premium will remain the same!!!!
This has been a seamless transition and all units will receive a renewal notice from AIM just as they have in the past, placing coverage with our new carrier upon expiration of their current policy. Please contact me or AIM directly at 1-800-876-4044 with any insurance questions you may have. Thank You! Michelle Scoles Montana PTA Office Manager
Insurance — important!
P A G E 6 M T P T A V O I C E
Washington DC Legislative Conference 2016
It’s becoming increasing apparent that what happens in Washington DC directly affects Montana. The
challenge is to be sure DC hears Montana’s voices loud and clear. Now that the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act, previously known as NCLB and now called ESSA, has been reauthorized our
focus turns to funding our children’s education. This new federal law includes key provisions for family
engagement. In particular, our call to Action is to request funding for Statewide Family Engagement
Centers in the amount of $10 million in FY2017.
What you should know about ESSA
A quick overview of ESSA:
Title I – Improving Basic Programs Operated by State and Local Education Agencies
Title II – Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High-Quality Teachers, Principals, or Other School Leaders
Title III – Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Students
Title IV – 21st Century Schools
Title V – State Innovation and Local Flexibility
Title VI – Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education
Title VII – Impact Aid
Title VIII – General Provisions
Transitioning to ESSA
Formula grant programs will operate under NCLB structure for 2016 – 2017 school year
State Accountability systems under NCLB end August 1, 2016
Priority and Focus schools must continue interventions in SY16-17
New statewide accountability systems to be developed and in place by SY17-18
ESSA flexibility/waivers expire August 1, 2016
State and local report cards still in effect through 2016 – 2017 school year
Competitive grant programs go into effect on October 1, 2016
Title I: Parent and Family Engagement (Sec. 1116)
School districts are required to have a written parent and family engagement policy
School districts must reserve at least 1% of funds for family engagement
Use of funds for family engagement: Professional development, home and community programs,
sharing best practices and collaborating with organizations.
Title IV: Statewide Family Engagement Centers (Part E)
A reauthorized and improved version of the Parental Information and Resource Center (PIRC) program
in No Child Left Behind
Competitive grant program to statewide organizations or a consortia of statewide organizations
Authorized at $10 million in ESSA
Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs)
Work with state and local level agencies to support family engagement
Provide professional development on evidence-based and effective family engagement strategies
Provide direct services to families on how to effectively work with their child’s school and teachers
Continued on next page
Advocacy news
PTA is
A powerful voice for all children
A relevant resource for families
and communities; and
A strong advocate for the
education and well-being of
every child.
PTA Mission THE OBJECTS OF THE PTA
To support and speak on behalf of children
and youth in the schools, in the community,
and before governmental bodies and other
organizations that make decisions affecting
children; and
To assist parents in developing the skills they
need to raise and protect their children; and
To encourage parent and public involvement
in the public schools of this nation.
P A G E 7 M T P T A V O I C E
Authorization vs Appropriations
Authorizers:
House Committee on Education and the Workforce
Senate Health, Education Labor, and Pensions Committee
Example: Statewide Family Engagement Centers are authorized at $10 million in ESSA
Appropriators:
Appropriations Committees
Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Services (LHHS) Subcommittee handles
education funding
Example: Statewide Family Engagement Centers FY 2016: $0 FY 2017: TBD
Appropriations Timeline: October 1st Fiscal Year (FY) Begins; February, Presidents Budget Request;
March – May, Congress Deliberates; May – July, Appropriations Bills Introduced; August, Recess;
September 30th
, End of Fiscal Year.
Why Fund SPECs
Over 40 years of research shows that family engagement is critical for student success
Students attend school more regularly, earn better grades, enroll in advanced-level courses, and have
higher graduation rates. We need to ensure our nation’s students are fully prepared for higher
education, workforce and career opportunities in the 21st century.
Our ask of you, local unit leaders and members, is to respond to our Action Alerts
as we keep the pressure on our Montana members of Congress to fund Statewide
Family Engagement Centers at $10 million in FY2017. Make your VOICE heard in
Washington DC.
ESSA PTA Resources webpage www.PTA.org/ESSA
U.S. Department of Education ESSA webpage www.ed.gov/essa
Thank you for all you do,
Dee Hensley-Maclean
Montana PTA Advocacy Chair
Advocacy news—Continued
M T P T A V O I C E P A G E 8
2016-2017 Reflections Theme:
What Is Your Story?
CONGRATULATIONS to all of the Montana 1st Place winning students! Your entries have moved on to National. We will find out about any National winners in May.
A BIG THANK YOU TO THE REFLECTIONS CHAIRS along with their PTA for supporting this program
and allowing their students to shine!!!
Invitations have been sent to 1st Place students to attend the Reflections Celebration in
their honor in May, where they will receive their award and certificate
(will be mailed the week following if unable to attend the Reflections Celebration).
Montana PTA Reflections
REFLECTIONS NEWS
Literature:
Jonah Hunt 2nd
grade Meadow Lark PTA, Great Falls Laura Crist
Ryessa Hirsch 5th
grade Whitefish PTA Marisa van Lawick
Sydney Garcia 6th
grade Whitefish PTA Marisa van Lawick
Finney Manchala 9th
grade Treasure STATE PTA Michelle Scoles
Film Production:
Nathan Hodson 1st grade Sacajawea PTA, Great Falls Emily Hodson
Benjamin Hodson 5th
grade Sacajawea PTA, Great Falls Emily Hodson
Danika Tintzman 7th
grade Whitefish PTA Marisa van Lawick
Jeffrey Hyer 11th
grade Whitefish PTA Marisa van Lawick
Music:
Eli Crist 2nd
grade Meadow Lark PTA, Great Falls Laura Crist
Kittalla Wise 3rd
grade Sacajawea PTA, Great Falls Emily Hodson
Joel Demars 7th
grade Arrowhead PTA, Billings Heather Ohs
Visual Arts:
Tucker Witzel Special Artist Whitehall PTSA Kristi Wilson
Iris Gallagher 1st grade Poly Drive PTA, Billings Deva Gallagher
Camryn Goodman 4th
grade Sacajawea PTA, Great Falls Emily Hodson
Eden Hill 6th
grade Arrowhead PTA, Billings Heather Ohs
Zoe Hopkins 10th
grade Whitefish PTA Marisa van Lawick
Photography:
Nathan Hodson 1st grade Sacajawea PTA, Great Falls Emily Hodson
Selah Hagler 5th
grade Whitefish PTA Marisa van Lawick
Tucker Adkins 6th
grade Pioneer PTA, Billings Joann Palmeri
Finney Manchala 9th
grade Treasure STATE PTA Michelle Scoles
Dance:
Nathan Hodson 1st grade Sacajawea PTA, Great Falls Emily Hodson
Benjamin Hodson 5th
grade Sacajawea PTA, Great Falls Emily Hodson
CONGRATULATIONS! 2016 Reflections 1st Place Winners
P A G E 9 M T P T A V O I C E
M T P T A V O I C E
Reflections Winners — photography
P A G E 1 0
Nathan Hodson Sacajawea PTA, Great Falls
Finney Manchala Treasure STATE PTA
Tucker
Adkins Pioneer PTA
Billings
Selah
Hagler
Whitefish PTA
Reflections Winners — VISUAL ARTS
Camryn Goodman Sacajawea PTA
Great Falls
Zoe
Hopkins
Whitefish PTA
Eden Hill
Arrowhead PTA
Billings
M T P T A V O I C E P A G E 1 1
Iris Gallagher
Poly Drive PTA
Billings
Tucker Witzel
Whitehall PTSA
M T P T A V O I C E P A G E 1 2
M T P T A V O I C E P A G E 1 3
2016-2017 -- OFFICER REPORTING FORM For Units and Councils
Required
Unit/Council Name:
Permanent PTA Unit/Council Address (School address or PO Box):
Address City Zip
REQUIRED completion and return of this form for unit to be in “Good Standing” with Montana and National PTA.
Send to: Montana PTA , PO Box 1269, Laurel, MT 59044 OR email: [email protected] by June 1st. If officers change during year, submit new information to Montana PTA immediately.
Only units that have returned this form will receive Montana PTA and National PTA resources All officers listing an e-mail address will receive the Montana PTA Voice newsletter via e-mail. All officers will be entered into the National PTA online membership database.
If you have more than two Vice Presidents or other board positions, please attach additional form.
President’s Name: Address: Term Start Date City & Zip: Term End Date Phone E-Mail address
Treasurer’s Name: Address: Term Start Date City & Zip: Term End Date Phone E-Mail address
Secretary’s Name: Address: Term Start Date City & Zip: Term End Date Phone E-Mail address
Vice President’s Name: Title: Address: Term Start Date City & Zip: Term End Date Phone E-Mail address
Vice President’s Name: Title: Address: Term Start Date City & Zip: Term End Date Phone E-Mail address
P A G E 1 4
P A G E 1 5
Board of Directors
P R O V I D I N G P T A N E W S A N D I N F O R M A T I O N F O R M O N T A N A P T A L O C A L U N I T S , C O U N C I L S , A N D M E M B E R S
ADVERTISING in the MONTANA PTA VOICE Newsletter:
Would you or do you know of someone who would be interested in
advertising in this newsletter? If so, please contact the Montana PTA
office at 406-628-9007 or [email protected] for rates and
information. All advertising is subject to approval by Montana PTA.
Montana PTA reserves the right to reject any advertising it feels is not in
keeping with the character, goals, and purposes of PTA.
"Disclaimer: Articles and advertisements in The Voice do not necessarily represent the viewpoints or policies of Montana PTA. Montana PTA does not endorse non-PTA products or services mentioned in the publication."
President:
Sherry Holderith
(406) 860-9743
Secretary:
Andrea Barrow
(406) 403-3658
Treasurer (outgoing):
Colleen Nichols
(406) 861-6890
President Elect:
MEMBER REPRESENTATIVES
VACANT
VACANT
APPOINTED CHAIRS
Advocacy: Dee Hensley Maclean
(406) 363-1608
Convention: Michelle Duncan
(406) 855-3160
Diversity: VACANT
Membership: VACANT
New Unit Development: VACANT
Program: VACANT
Reflections: Jessica Sosa
(406) 671-6552
Health & Safety : Kathy Aragon
(406) 698-2992
Reflections Winners—Visual Arts Page 11
National PTA Reflections
Awards & Recognition Page 12
2016-17 Officer Reporting Form Page 14
Advertising in Voice Newsletter Page 15
Board of Directors List Page 15
Inside this Issue President’s Message Page 1
Annual SOS Report Filing Deadline Page 2
President’s Call Page 2
YVPTA Council Spring Training Date Page 3
Montana PTA AWARDS Page 3
Secretary Message Page 4
Convention 2016 Page 5
Insurance Page 5
Advocacy News Page 6&7
PTA Mission Page 7
Objects of the PTA Page 7
Reflections News Page 8
2016 Reflections 1st Place Winners Page 9
Reflections Winners—Photography Page 10
MONTANA CONGRESS OF PARENTS & TEACHERS ASSOC.
P.O. BOX 1269 LAUREL, MT 59044
